What are the Signs and Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder?
November 6, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which there is a disruption in the normal functioning of the bladder due to a neurological disorder or injury. The signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder can vary depending on the underlying cause and the type of dysfunction, but they generally involve problems with bladder control. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms:
- Urinary Incontinence: Individuals with neurogenic bladder may experience urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine. This can occur suddenly and without warning, making it challenging to control when and where you empty your bladder.
- Urinary Retention: On the opposite end of the spectrum, some individuals with neurogenic bladder may have difficulty emptying their bladder completely. This can lead to a persistent feeling of fullness, discomfort, and the need for frequent trips to the bathroom.
- Frequent Urination: Frequent urination is a common symptom, particularly in cases where the bladder muscles are overactive. This means you may feel the need to urinate more often than usual, sometimes with very little urine produced each time.
- Urgency: Neurogenic bladder can cause a strong and sudden urge to urinate, which can be challenging to control. This can lead to “rushes” to the bathroom, potentially resulting in incontinence.
- Nocturia: People with neurogenic bladder may wake up during the night to urinate more frequently than normal. Nocturia can disrupt sleep patterns and impact overall quality of life.
- Difficulty Initiating Urination: Some individuals may have trouble starting the urinary stream, which can be due to weak bladder muscles or interference with the nerve signals that control urination.
- Weak Urinary Stream: The stream of urine may be weaker than normal, and it might start and stop intermittently. This can be a result of poor bladder muscle coordination.
- Incomplete Emptying: An inability to fully empty the bladder can lead to a sensation of incomplete emptying and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to urine retention.
- Recurrent UTIs: Incomplete bladder emptying and urinary retention can lead to an increased risk of UTIs, which can cause symptoms like pain, burning during urination, and frequent need to urinate.
- Kidney Problems: In severe cases, untreated neurogenic bladder can lead to kidney damage, as urine may back up into the kidneys, causing hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys) and potentially kidney dysfunction.
It’s important to note that neurogenic bladder is often associated with underlying neurological conditions or injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. The severity of symptoms and the choice of treatment can vary based on the specific neurological condition and the type of neurogenic bladder (overactive or underactive).
Management of neurogenic bladder may involve medications, catheterization, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Treatment aims to improve bladder function, reduce urinary symptoms, and prevent complications such as kidney damage. Individuals with neurogenic bladder should work closely with healthcare professionals, including urologists and neurologists, to develop a tailored treatment plan based on the underlying cause and their specific symptoms.